Jayden, a 15-year-old aspiring neurosurgeon from Darwin, has been named one of the eight finalists for the Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship.  

“I want to be someone who understands my patients beyond their medical history, beyond their scans.” 

The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose physical or mental health has been affected by cancer and to achieve their goals and ambitions. This scholarship, funded by Coles, helps young people build their future and can be put towards education or life goals.   

In February 2024, Jayden was diagnosed with a rare cancer called Mediastinal Grey Zone Lymphoma. The lymphoma was discovered after Jayden fell on his chest while participating in traditional Chinese lion dancing. When he was still experiencing chest problems two weeks later, he went for tests.  

“I have a 16cm by 12cm by12cm mass above my heart fully compressing the superior vena cava, the main vein to my upper body, and caused my lymphatic duct to leak into my lungs.” 

Tests at Royal Darwin Hospital suspected it was cancer but could not confirm what type.  

Due to the nature and size of the aggressive tumour, Jayden had to be medevacked to Sydney on an emergency medical plane.  

Within 12 hours, Jayden and his mum were flown to Sydney, with Jayden’s dad arriving a few weeks later. The family have been in Sydney ever since. 

Moments before they took off, Jayden told his mum, “I’m not ready to go. I might not be able to come home.” 

There were various health symptoms Jayden dealt with in the lead-up to the diagnosis.  

“I suffered from night sweats and an indescribable, continuous itch underneath my skin. My family noticed my extreme sudden weight loss, 10kg in six months; I had severe eczema and bruises that did not heal completely. I often felt tired and breathless without realising why.” 

Since arriving in Sydney, Jayden has undergone six rounds of chemotherapy. He went in for a debulking surgery – where surgeons remove as much of the tumour as possible – but that surgery encountered complications and was stopped. 

The family don’t yet know what further treatment Jayden will have to undertake, as recent scans could not determine whether Jayden has reached remission.  

Jayden has faced so many challenges with “no complaints”, Jayden’s mum said. 

“We watched him bravely endure pain from pokes, pricks and treatment side effects. Jayden has always been a planner, and to have his organised life without significant hiccups taken from him, we can only imagine how he is feeling.” 

Jayden had to stop his education for several months as he underwent multiple tests and then began treatment. He has always studied in accelerated classes and is hoping to graduate high school next year, to go on to study in the medical field. 

“I aspire to be a neurosurgeon, following in the similar footsteps as both my sisters.” 

Both of Jayden’s sisters are on the path to be doctors.  

“Another reason why I want to become a neurosurgeon and, more broadly, a doctor, is because I want to be someone who knows what it’s like to face that uncertainty and fear and also help patients the way my doctors have helped me.” 

The road to becoming a neurosurgeon is not easy, and the Dare to Dream Scholarship will help fund a new computer package. 

“The remaining scholarship money will be used to partially fund my school fees, books, and enrolment and course fees, including the cost of preparing and applying for the University Clinical Aptitude Test, a requirement to undertake the medical degree.” 

“I want to be a living example that no matter how difficult the journey is, it’s possible to overcome and continue chasing those dreams.” 

Since 2013, Redkite and Coles have awarded 500 Dare to Dream Scholarships worth over $800,500 to support young Australians whose aspirations and goals have been impacted by their cancer diagnosis.